Europe Tipping Guide: How Much to Tip in European Countries

European tipping culture is dramatically different from North America — and it varies substantially from country to country. Here is what to expect and what to leave.

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Key Difference from the US

European service workers are typically paid a full minimum wage (or higher), making tips a genuine “thank you” rather than a wage supplement. This means:

• Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in most countries
• Over-tipping can occasionally seem ostentatious or even offensive
• Service charges are legally or commonly included in many countries — always check your bill

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United Kingdom

Restaurants: 10–15% if a service charge is not already included. Check the bill — many London restaurants add 12.5% automatically.

Pubs and bars: Tipping bartenders is uncommon. The traditional gesture is to say “…and one for yourself” — offering to pay for a drink for the staff. Rounding up on table service is fine.

Taxis: Round up or add 10–15% on longer journeys.

Hotels: £1–2 per bag for porters; £1–2 per night for housekeeping (though this is not widely practiced).

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France

French law requires restaurants to include service compris (service included) in all prices. A small additional tip of €1–2 is a nice gesture for good service but is never expected.

Never calculate a percentage tip in France — simply leave a small amount of coins, or nothing if the service was average. Tipping in cash is preferred even if you pay by card.

Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro or two.

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Germany

Tipping is common but modest. The standard practice is to round up to a convenient number when paying.

• “Stimmt so” (meaning “keep the change”) signals you are rounding up
• 5–10% is generous; 15% is considered very generous
• Do not leave cash on the table — hand the tip directly to the server when paying

Taxis: Round up to the nearest €5.

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Austria & Switzerland

Similar to Germany — round up or leave 5–10%. Switzerland is notoriously expensive, so tipping expectations are calibrated accordingly; 5% is perfectly acceptable.

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Italy

Check your bill for:

• Coperto: A cover charge per person (not a tip — it covers bread and table setting)
• Servizio: A service charge, sometimes 10–15%

If neither is included, 5–10% for good service is appropriate. In cafes, rounding up by €0.50–1 is common.

Note: At Italian coffee bars, it is customary to tip a few small coins in the dish on the counter — not a percentage of the drink cost.

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Spain & Portugal

Tipping is optional and less ingrained than in Northern Europe. Round up or leave 5–10% at sit-down restaurants for good service. Leaving nothing is not considered rude for average service.

Cafes: Leave small change in the dish.

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The Netherlands & Belgium

10% is a good guideline for restaurants, though it is never obligatory. Many people simply round up to the nearest euro or two. Card payment is common; ask if you can add a tip when paying.

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Greece

10% is customary at restaurants, though it is common to leave it in cash on the table even if paying by card. For tours and guides, €5–10 per person is appreciated.

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Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland)

Tipping is not expected due to high wages and social welfare systems. If you wish to show appreciation, round up or leave 10% — but do not feel obligated. Card payments are almost universal, and tipping on card is becoming more common.

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Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary)

Tipping is appreciated and common, especially in tourist-heavy cities like Prague and Kraków. 10–15% at restaurants is a welcome gesture.

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Quick Tips for European Travel

1. Always check the bill for included service charges before tipping
2. Use local currency — tips in foreign currency are difficult for staff to use
3. Cash tips are preferred in most European countries
4. Ask a local if you are unsure — locals will tell you what is normal

Use our tip calculator to quickly work out the right amount in Euros, Pounds, or any European currency.